Faith Focus for February 28

March: Being a Steward

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. - F.B. Meyer

Faith Focus for February 21

February: Being a Friend

Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company. - George Washington

Know Where You're Going

In November, 1975, seventy-five convicts started digging a secret tunnel designed to bring them up at the other side of the wall of Saltillo Prison in northern Mexico. On April 18, 1976, they tunneled up into the nearby courtroom in which many of them had been sentenced. The surprised judges returned all 75 to jail.

Many teens and young adults are like those convicts, they don't like a particular situation they are in so they just start digging with no, or little direction. They think that as long as they are not in the uncomfortable situation that they were in, they are safe. More often than not they end up back in the same situation only in worse condition. What you need to do is to humble yourself before God; He will guide you. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Like the Psalmist, you should exclaim to the Father, "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me."

When you follow God's guidance, you know you are where God wants you, whether you are moving or staying in one place. Instead of praying, "Lord, what do you want me to do next?" ask, "Lord, what do you want me to do while I'm right here?" Direction from God is not just for your next "big" move. He has a purpose in placing you where you are right now. This is especially important when considering God's purpose for you as He has placed you in a New Testament Baptist Church. It is important for you to understand God's purpose for your life as you hear and heed the preaching and teaching of His Word. It is also important to submit to His purpose.

Sometimes situations may be uncomfortable, but God makes no mistakes. He has a purpose and He uses the circumstances He places you in to bring you to spiritual maturity. Escapism is never the answer. Following God's principles is the only response that will lead to spiritual victory and freedom from the bondage of sinful reactions.

As my pastor used to say, "What happens to you is not as significant as what happens within you." Be sure your attitude and actions lineup with biblical principles rather than your feelings. Then you will experience the peace of mind that comes from a life of obedience to God, no matter what circumstances come your way. Don't just dig, dig with biblical direction and purpose. Freedom, true freedom will be the result.

Faith Focus for February 14

February: Being a Friend

Proverbs 18:24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

One of the best ways to keep friendship is to return it.

Faith Focus for February 7

February: Being a Friend

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The better part of one's life consists of his friendships. - Abraham Lincoln.